Billfold



Feb. 19, 1952 W. R. WHITME R BILLFOLD 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 1, 1949 INVE/VTUR W/LL/AM R. WH/TMEE MWM MW ATTOPA/EYS.

Feb. 19, 1952 w. R. WHITMER BILL-FOLD 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 1, 1949 INVENTOI? w/a AM R. Wfl/T/MER W M fiMan ATTOK/VEYS Feb. "1952 w. R. WHITMER BILLFOLD 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 1, 1949 ATTORNEYS Patented Feb. 19, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE to The Springfield Leather Products .Gompany;

Springfield, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio siipiieatienuiiiie 1, 1949-, ser'ia1 to. 9651i Claims.

This invention relates to pocket wallets orbillfolds. More particularly, itrelates to bill folds whose construction provides complete interlock ing walls to form an expandable gusset=1ike structure.

Interlocking walls in billfolds have been used before. In one particular style of billfold the arm member forming the end of the billfold interl'ocks into the face of the inner wall. I

This construction suffers from the disadvan tage that additional tacking or holding means is required to prevent the arm member from flaring outwardly and destroying the neat appearance of the billfold.

These methods of controlling and biasing the gusset walls to always lie inwardly directed have presented the leather goods industry witha vex ing problem.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new billfold which will avoid the difficulties and limitations of the prior billiold's as pointed out above. I

It is an object of the present invention to provide a billfold having an accordion style of construction. I

It is another object of the present invention to provide a billfold with expandible end walls formed of portions, each attached to separate wall sections, which are always held in gusset style with the apex directed inwardly.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a billfold having expandibl end walls produced by the interlocking of portions of the inner and outer wall members.

It is a still further object of the preseht in vention to provide, when desired, a wallet having portions foldable to provide a simplified arrangement in providing for a hidden or secret pocket for bills and papers, which can also provide dual open top compartments.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a billfold which may be assembled as a compact unit without stitching any part of the basic wall sections. I

It is another object of the present invention to provide a billfold having interlocking mem bers without the interlocking being apparent from the exterior.

Further objects and advantages will be apparent from the following desbiiptioiiz Billfolds of this invention are -oonstructed with closed end structure formed by the interlocking of members which are an integral part of the outer and inner walls. I

As far as is known, such construction giving the expandible features of gussets has never been formed with the main portion of the body of the billfold in a manner whereby the interlocking structure in unobvi'ou's except when the eiipaiided billfold is viewed from the end.

The advantages of this dii'stiflctioh at once ecome appar nt; The pocket wallet is inexpensive to assemble, requiring 'inei'ely folding and interlocking of the respective sections "or portions. I I I I The end of the billfold closed b'y'end pieces acting in the nature of gusset walls to allow e11- pension Without'the possibility of the billfold becoming out of shape. I II The way in which the new and novel billfold of applicant is constructed will be better u'iid'ei stood by reference to the following description and the drawings.

In the drawings: I

Figure 1 is a view er the bas'ic blank er the billfold adapted to have a built-in secret pocket;

Figure 2 is a top view of a basic'bridgiiig Wall;

Figure 3 is a top view of an aui'rilia'ri wall which may be sewed or otherwise fastened to the basic blank when building a hidden pocktiflto the billf'old;

Figured is a View of the basic Blank for a wallet without a hidden pocket laid out in a single plane corresponding tO -Figiire '1':

Figure 5 is a top view or the bridging wan identical with Fi'gure '2, but t5 be used iii corrjunction with the basic mam: or Figure 4:

Figure 6 is a horizontal cross sectional view of the folded billfold of Fi ure 1 am'n'g its central axis;

Figure '7 is an elevational view or the assembled billfold of Figure 1 partially cut away to disclose interlocking features; I II Figure 8 is a horizontal cross sectional views: the -billfold of Figure 4 without the additional partitiondividing the interior of the billfold into an open and a hidden pocket; II

Figure 9 is an elevational "view of the assembled billfold of Figure 4 partially in. section to show the folding construction;

Figure 10 is a vertical cross sectional view of the billfold taken along the lin HF-l0 of Fig= ure 7;

Figure 11 is a vertical cross sectional View of the billfold taken along the line lI- -II of Figure 7; I

Figure 12 is a vertical'ci'o's's sectional view of a modified billfold construction taken as 'alohg'the line |2 |2 of Figure '1 showing a folded bottom gusset instead of a rounded bottom;

Figure 13 is a Vertical cross seeuon i view of a billfold taken along the line l3-*=l-3 of Figure 9;

Figure 14 is a vertical ross sectional view of a billfold taken along the me =14 of Figure 9:

Figure 15 is a vertical cross s'ect ional view of a billfold taken along the line l5-'"|5 of Figure '9;

Figure 16 is a fragmentary plan view showing the interlocking feature forming the closed end of the billfold; and I k I Figure 17 "is a fragmentary as view showing 3 the arrangement whereby the bridging member of Figure 2 is attached to the inner wall of the blank of either Figure 2 or Figure 4.

Referring to the drawings, the billfold of this invention consists in its basic form shown in Figures 1 and 4 of an outer rear wall 20, whose dimensions within the hereinafter explained folds, establishes the external dimensions of the billfold.

An inner wall 2| consists of two longitudinally spaced sections 22 and 23, which are integral with the outer wall section and joined thereto along the bottom fold 24. Between sections 22 and 23 there is a small fiap for a purpose hereinafter explained.

The principal difference between the basic forms is to be found in the type of flap attached to the outer wall 20 opposite the bottom fold 24 and adapted to lie along the inside face of said outer wall.

Figure 1 illustrates the flap utilized to conceal the hidden pocket.v This flap is composed of three portions, 26, 21 and 28 joined to the outer wall along the fold 29.

Portions 25 and 28 are adapted for being turned semi-permanently inward, while portion 2'! is for use as a cover for the hidden pocket.

On the other hand, the flap 36 in the basic structure of Figure 4 is a unitary piece joined to the outer Wall along the fold 3| and adapted to lie against the inside face of said outer wall to accomplish any one or more effects such as stiffening, finishing, or even if of proper length, to provide a concealed pocket.

Sections 22 and 23 have integral wall sections 32 and 33, respectively, which fold along the fold line 34 in order to lie against the inside of sections 22 and 23, thus forming a tubular structure adapted to enclose a bridging wall 35.

Sections 32 and 33 are each provided with companion perforations 36, whose purpose will be hereinafter explained, but which merely illustrate one means of accomplishing the attachment of a hereinafter discussed bridging wall.

Adjacent the lateral side sections 32 and 33 are incised to produce retainer arms or tongues 3'! and 38.

Arms 31 and 38 are provided with throat portions 39 and 40 which extend through hereinafter explainedslots. These throat portions 39 and 40 are provided with, laterally extending ears and 5|, respectively, which prevent the throat portions 39 and 46 from being readily withdrawn from the slots through which they extend.

Outer wall 26' is provided along side edges 52 and 53 with integral flaps 54 and 55, respectively. Flaps 54 and 55 are vertically slit as at 56 and Inner wall sections 22 and 23 are provided along the side edges 58, 59 with integral flaps 66 and GI. respectively. .Flaps 6!) and 61 are apertured as at 62 and 63, and adapted for loose sliding fit with the throat of arms 3? and 38.

Bridging wall section 35, illustrated in Figure 2, is a flexible unit of slightly shorter length than the inner wall 2 l. H

Wall 35v is provided with two pairs of parallel apertures 64 and 65 defining stem sections 66 and 67 which terminate in convexly shaped end sections 68 and 69 creating retainer tabs 10 and 1| for locking bridging wall 35 to inner wall flaps 32 and 33.

In Figure 3 there is illustrated the blind wall. 12 forming, a divider separating the pocket of the billfold into an exposed and a hidden pocket.

Wall I2 is bound along the dotted line 13 to that portion of wall sections 32 and 33 indicated by the dotted line 14. The binding is accomplished by sewing or other suitable means.

The billfold formed from the basic structure of Figures 4 and 5 is illustrated in Figure 9. In this Figure 9 wall sections 32 and 33 are shown folded over to enclose bridging wall 35.

As will be seen in this figure and by reference to Figure 17, the bridging wall 35 is suspended from and forms a link between sections 32 and 33 by means of retainer tabs 10 and H which are passed through the twin apertures 36 and are held in loose sliding relationship by heads 68 and 69.

I Flap section 30 is shown folded down against the inner side of outer wall 20. The end flaps 54 and 55v of the outer wall 20 and flaps 60 and GI of the inner wall 2| are folded inwardly.

Retainer flap 3! is passed through the aperture 62 of flap 60 and the throat is extended or inserted through slit 56 in flap 54. Correspondingly, retainer flap 38 is passed through the aperture 63 of flap BI and the throat is extended or inserted through slit 51.

In this way the inner wall slides loosely on the retainer flap throat giving the structure flexibility while the two flaps are always held in an inwardly extending position.

The lateral relationship of the various portions is better understood by reference to Figure 8, wherein it will be seen that the flaps 54 and 60 lie back to back with retainer flap 31 passing therethrough to lie against the inner side of outer wall 20. At the opposite end the corresponding parts are similarly interlocked.

It is also apparent here that the bridging wall 35 lies against the inner side of wall sections 22 and 23 and closes the space between these secti-ons.

This construction is further illustrated in Figure 16 where the head of the retainer flap is shown lying adjacent flap 54 with the throat passing through slit 56, from whence it passes through slit 62 in flap 60.

The vertical alignment is further brought out in Figures 13, 14 and 15, wherein it will be seen that flap 30 lies against the inner side of outer wall 20, and that flap 25 merely folds inwardly into the billfold compartment.

The billfold formed from the basic structure of Figures 1, 2, and 3 is illustrated in Figure 7. In this Figure '7 wall sections 32 and 33 are shown folded over to enclose bridging wall 35.

The bridging wall, as in the billfold of Figure 9, is suspended from and forms the link between sections 32 and 33. However, in this billfold the blind wall 12 is shown lying against the opposite side of walls 32 and 33 from the bridging wall 35 and is attached thereto along the dotted line 14 by sewing. Thus, when wall sections 32 and 33 are folded inwardly blind wall 12 lies against the inner side of outer wall 20.

Flap sections 26, 21 and 28 are shown folded down with section 21 covering the top of blind wall 12 and forming a closure for a so-called hidden pocket.

In these figures it will be seen that the end flaps attached to both the inner and outer walls are folded inwardly and interlocked in the same manner as has been described in connection with from Figure 6 wherein it will be seen that flaps 54 and 60 lie back to back with retainer flap 31 passing therethrough to lie against the inner side of outer wall 20. At the opposite end of the billfold the corresponding parts are similarly interlocked.

It is also apparent here that the bridging wall 35 lies against the inner side of wall sections 22 and 23 and closes the space between these sections.

The vertical alignment is further brought out in Figures 10, 11 and 12 wherein it will be seen that flap sections 26, 21 and 28 are folded inwardly with the flap section 21 overlying the upper end of the blind wall 12. The lower end of the blind wall 12 is attached to the lower end of integral wall sections 32 and 33.

Also, it will be seen that while the inner wall is composed of longitudinally separated portions, view into the hidden pocket is obstructed by the combination of small flap folded inwardly, particularly as illustrated in Figure 10.

In Figure 12, a construction is shown wherein a foldable section 88 is provided between outer wall 20 and inner wall 23. This section 80 is turned inwardly with the apex at 8| and formed with legs 82 and 83 having substantially any relative proportions. This inwardly biased bottom gusset gives the billfold even expandibility over its entire length.

While the billfolds disclosed and described herein constitute preferred forms of the invention, yet it will be understood that the device is capable of alteration without departing from the spirit of the invention, and that all modifications which fall within the scope of the appended claims are intended to be included herein.

For example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the flaps 54 and 55 formed integral with outer wall 20, and flaps 60 and BI formed integral with inner wall 2|, may be sewed to gether and the gusset like structure held biased in inwardly position by the tongue 31 or 38 of the fold-over flaps 32 and 33.

It will also be recognized that the shape of these flaps may be altered. For example, flaps 54 and 55 may be of such length that the flaps may be doubled back enclosing the flaps 60 and 6| when the billfold is assembled.

It will at once be recognized that this necessitates that flaps 54 or 55 be apertured in two places so that the tongue 31 or 38 may be extended through the three thicknesses of leather formed as the gusset wall. Such a construction for some uses may be an advantage by creating a stiffer structure.

I claim:

1. A billfold comprising an outer wall, an inner wall integral with said outer wall and having fold-over flap sections positioned to lie between said inner and outer walls, said fold-over sections being provided with retainer tabs, and an end flap at each end of said outer and inner walls having slot means to receive said retainer tabs for locking together each pair of flaps.

2. A billfold comprising an outer wall having a top flap, an inner wall integral with said outer wall consisting of two longitudinally spaced sections having fold-over flap sections positioned to lie between the said inner and outer walls, said fold-over sections each having a retainer tab adjacent the outer end of each section and pairs of apertures, a wall closure member disposed between said fold-over sections and inner wall and provided with retainer flaps at opposite ends thereof and held in position with limited longitudinal sliding action by the retainer flaps extending through said apertures in said foldover sections, a side flap at each end of said outer wall and said inner wall section folded inwardly and having slot means therein receiving the retainer tab of said fold-over sections to interlock said side flaps to said fold-over section, a currency compartment divider connected to the bottom edge of said fold-over sections and held in position by its top portion enclosed between said top flap and said outer wall.

3. A billfold comprising an outer longitudinally extending wall, an inner wall integral with said outer wall and extending therewith and having fold-over flap portions positioned to lie between said inner and outer walls, said fold-over sections being provided with retainer tabs extending substantially transversely to said longitudinally extending walls, and an end flap at each end of said outer and inner walls having slot means extending substantially transversely in said walls to receive said retainer tabs for locking together each pair of flaps.

4. A billfold comprising an outer longitudinally extending wall, an inner wall integral with said outer wall and extending therewith and having fold-over flap sections positioned to lie between said inner and outer walls, said fold-over sections being provided with retainer tabs extending substantially transversely of said walls, and an end flap at each end of said inner and outer walls having slot means extending transversely in said walls to receive said retainer tabs for locking together each pair of flaps, said slot means of said outer wall being positioned outwardly 'of said slot means of said inner wall.

5. A billfold comprising an outer wall having a top flap, an inner wall integral with said outer wall and having a fold-over flap section positioned to lie between the said inner and outer walls, said fold-over section having retainer means adjacent the outer ends thereof, a side flap at each end of said outer and said inner wall folded inwardly and having retaining means therein cooperating with the retaining means of said fold-over sections to interlock said side flaps with said fold-over section, and a currency compartment divider connected to the bottom edge of said fold-over section and held in position by its top portion enclosed between the said top fiap and the said outer wall.

WILLIAM R. WHITMER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,154,826 Stember et al Apr. 12, 1939 2,182,867 Gardner Dec. 12, 1939 2,285,906 Davis June 9, 1942 2,328,400 Stanley Aug. 31, 1943 2,433,714 Smallman Dec. 30, 1947 2,434,121 Pence Jan. 6, 1948 2,444,581 Seaman July 6, 1948 2,484,682 Broughton Oct. 11, 1949 2,496,174 Pence June 31, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 14,603 Great Britain June 30, 1902 

